Combination Level and Right Angle Measuring Tool

ABSTRACT

Through its unique trapezoidal shape and 11 vials, the combination level and right angle measuring tool requires only one user to not only quickly and precisely verify if a long object is level or plumb but also to easily and accurately determine if the angle of the intersection of two long objects is 90 degrees by employing the 3-4-5 measuring rule (an application of the Pythagorean Theorem, where a 2 +b 2 =c 2 ) in its design.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

Application No. 62/177,684

Filing Date: Mar, 23, 2015

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention pertains to the technical field of spirit levels and framing squares.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Common practices in the construction field include quickly and accurately determining if a long object, e.g., framing member, is level or plumb and if the intersection of two long objects, e.g., walls and ceilings, is 90 degrees. However, to obtain both measurements has required the use of more than one device and sometimes more than one individual, an inefficient process.

Solution to Problem

The combination level and right angle measuring tool (hereinafter, the “tool”) effectively addresses this problem. The tool incorporates the basic features of a spirit level and the capabilities of a framing square into one device. The tool requires only one user to quickly and precisely measure long objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer, for levelness and verticalness and to easily measure two equally long objects for perpendicularity, both horizontally and vertically.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The tool adds to the performance of a spirit level and addresses the short distance limitations of a framing square through its unique trapezoidal shape, a design based on the 3-4-5 measuring rule (an application of the Pythagorean Theorem, where a²+b²=c²), and its 11 vials. The tool also alleviates the need for additional measuring devices, e.g., a tape measure, to perform the 3-4-5 measuring rule. To assist in its use, the tool is imprinted with ample visual aids, i.e., numbered ends and markings and arrows on its right and left sides, and, as a ready convenience, a 5-foot-long ruler on its bottom side. The tool contains no lasers or movable parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Right Side of Tool

FIG. 2. Left Side of Tool

FIG. 3. Top Side of Tool (FIG. 1 Orientation)

FIG. 4. Bottom Side of Tool (FIG. 1 Orientation)

FIG. 5. Close-up of Right Edge of Tool (FIG. 1 Orientation)

FIG. 6. Close-up of Left Edge of Tool (FIG. 1 Orientation)

FIG. 7. Performing 3-Foot Measurement (Horizontal Layout)

FIG. 8. Performing 4-Foot Measurement (Horizontal Layout)

FIG. 9. Performing 5-Foot Measurement (Horizontal Layout)

FIG. 10. Performing 3-Foot Measurement (Horizontal and Vertical Layout)

FIG. 11. Performing 4-Foot Measurement (Horizontal and Vertical Layout)

FIG. 12. Performing 5-Foot Measurement (Horizontal and Vertical Layout)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Description of Tool

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool resembles an elongated trapezoid when viewed from its right and left sides: The top and bottom sides of the tool are parallel and unequal in length, and the right and left edges of the tool are unequal in length. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool is 3 inches high from the bottom side to the top side. (FIG. 2 is a mirror image of FIG. 1.) As shown in FIG. 3, the top side of the tool is 53¾ inches long and 1½ inches wide. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom side of the tool is 5 feet long and 1½ inches wide.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool is tapered on its right and left edges. FIGS. 5 and 6 are close-ups of the right and left edges, respectively, of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows a tapered end measuring 36.87 degrees (angle A); angle B is complementary to angle A and measures 53.13 degrees. As shown in FIG. 5, the right edge is 5 inches long. FIG. 6 shows a tapered end measuring 53.13 degrees (angle C); angle D is complementary to angle C and measures 36.87 degrees. As shown in FIG. 6, the left edge is 3¾ inches long.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tool contains seven vials on its right and left sides (vials A to G), which are visible on the right and left sides of the tool. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, vial A is centered along the top edge of the tool and is parallel to the top and bottom sides of the tool. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vials B and C are located near the right and left edges of the tool and are perpendicular to the top and bottom sides of the tool.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vial D is adjacent and parallel to the right and left edges of the tool, respectively, depending on the orientation of the tool. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vial E is underneath and perpendicular to vial D. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vial G is adjacent and parallel to the right and left edges of the tool, respectively, depending on the orientation of the tool. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vial F is underneath and perpendicular to vial G.

As shown in FIG. 3, vials A, H, and I are visible from the top side of the tool. As shown in FIG. 4, vials J and K are visible from the bottom side of the tool. As shown in FIG. 3, vials H and I are located near the left and right edges of the tool (FIG. 1 orientation), respectively, and are parallel to the left and right edges of the tool, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, vials J and K are located near the left and right edges of the tool (FIG. 1 orientation), respectively, and are parallel to the left and right edges of the tool, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, to provide quick measurement points a small numeral “3” and a small 3-foot mark and a small numeral “4” and a small 4-foot mark, as measured from the intersection of the right edge and the bottom side of the tool (vertex of angle A in FIG. 5), are imprinted contiguous and perpendicular to the bottom side of the tool. As shown in FIG. 2, to provide quick measurement points a small numeral “3” and a small 3-foot mark and a small numeral “4” and a small 4-foot mark, as measured from the intersection of the left edge and the bottom side of the tool (vertex of angle A in FIG. 5), are imprinted contiguous and perpendicular to the bottom side of the tool. A small vertical notch appears on the bottom edge of the tool at the 3- and 4-foot marks to facilitate transferring measurements from the tool to the object being measured.

As shown in FIG. 1, to quickly distinguish the 3-foot measurement edge from the 4-foot measurement edge a large numeral “3” is imprinted near the left edge of the tool and a large numeral “4” is imprinted near the right edge of the tool. As shown in FIG. 2, to quickly distinguish the 4-foot measurement edge from the 3-foot measurement edge a large numeral “4” is imprinted near the left edge of the tool and a large numeral “3” is imprinted near the right edge of the tool.

As shown in FIG. 1, an arrow figure is imprinted near the right edge of the tool pointing toward the left edge to quickly indicate the direction of measurement for the 3- and 4-foot lengths. As shown in FIG. 2, an arrow figure is imprinted near the left edge of the tool pointing toward the right edge to quickly indicate the direction of measurement for the 3- and 4-foot lengths.

For the user's convenience, a 5-foot-long ruler (not shown), beginning at the intersection of the right edge (FIG. 1 orientation) and the bottom side of the tool (vertex of angle A in FIG. 5), is imprinted on the bottom side of the tool (FIG. 4). The ruler contains opposing U.S. standard and metric units of measurement.

The tool can be constructed of wood, metal, or plastic.

Application of Tool Measuring for Horizontalness and Verticalness

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the tool contains the basic components of a spirit level and can be used to precisely measure long objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer, horizontally (level) and vertically (plumb). Vial A (FIGS. 1 to 3) measures for horizontalness; vials B and C (FIGS. 1 and 2) measure for verticalness.

Measuring a Right Angle

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the tool has the basic components and dimensions to accurately measure a right angle for two long intersecting objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer individually, both horizontally and vertically.

Horizontal Layout

If preferred, the 4-foot measurements described in steps 8 and 11 can precede the 3-foot measurements described in steps 4 and 10.

-   -   1. As shown in FIG. 7, lay the tool on the base (floor) with its         right side facing down and its left side facing up (FIG. 2         orientation) with the bottom side of the tool flush against the         right side of the first object being measured.     -   2. Touch the intersection of the left edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the intersection of the two objects being         measured for perpendicularity.     -   3. As shown in FIG. 2, check vial A of the tool to determine if         the tool is horizontal; if necessary, adjust the first object         being measured for horizontalness.     -   4. As shown in FIG. 7, transfer the 3-foot mark on the tool to         the right side of the first object being measured.     -   5. As shown in FIG. 8, lay the tool on the base with its left         side facing down and its right side facing up (FIG. 1         orientation) with the bottom side of the tool flush against the         left side of the second object being measured.     -   6. Touch the intersection of the right edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the intersection of the two objects being         measured for perpendicularity.     -   7. As shown in FIG. 1, check vial A on the tool to determine if         the tool is horizontal; if necessary, adjust the second object         being measured for horizontalness.     -   8. As shown in FIG. 8, transfer the 4-foot mark on the tool to         the left side of the second object being measured.     -   9. As shown in FIG. 9, lay the tool on the base with its left         side facing down and its right side facing up (FIG. 1         orientation) and place the left edge of the tool flush against         the right side of the first object being measured.     -   10. Touch the intersection of the left edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the 3-foot transfer mark on the right side of the         first object being measured.     -   11. Ensure the right edge of the tool is flush against the left         side of the second object being measured and the intersection of         the right edge and the bottom side of the tool is touching the         4-foot transfer mark on the left side of the second object being         measured.     -   12. Draw a line on the base from the now confirmed right angle         intersection of the two objects being measured for         perpendicularity to the top left edge of the tool.     -   13. Draw a line on the base from the intersection of the right         angle to the top right edge of the tool.     -   14. Remove the tool.     -   15. Attach the two objects to the base, if necessary.     -   16. Extend the two lines on the base to the desired distances.

Horizontal and Vertical Layout

The example shown is for two free-standing objects. If the objects are touching a wall and ceiling, follow the steps provided for a horizontal layout, substituting the ceiling for the base for the first object being measured and substituting the wall for the base for the second object being measured. The tool can also measure other horizontal and vertical configurations.

If preferred, the 4-foot measurements described in steps 8 and 12 can precede the 3-foot measurements described in steps 4 and 10. If the horizontal measurement is 4 feet and the vertical measurement is 3 feet, substitute vials D and F for vials G and E in steps 11 and 13, respectively.

-   -   1. As shown in FIG. 10, place the bottom side of the tool (FIG.         2 orientation) flush against the bottom side of the first object         being measured.     -   2. Touch the intersection of the left edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the intersection of the two objects being         measured for perpendicularity.     -   3. As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, check vial A of the tool to         determine if the tool is level; if necessary, adjust the first         object being measured for levelness.     -   4. As shown in FIG. 10, transfer the 3-foot mark on the tool to         the bottom side of the first object being measured.     -   5. As shown in FIG. 11, place the bottom side of the tool (FIG.         1 orientation) flush against the left side of the second object         being measured.     -   6. Touch the intersection of the right edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the intersection of the two objects being         measured for perpendicularity.     -   7. As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, check vials B and C or vials H         and I, respectively, of the tool to determine if the tool is         vertical; if necessary, adjust the second object being measured         for verticalness.     -   8. As shown in FIG. 11, transfer the 4-foot mark on the tool to         the left side of the second object being measured.     -   9. As shown in FIG. 12, place the left edge of the tool (FIG. 1         orientation) flush against the bottom side of the first object         being measured.     -   10. Touch the intersection of the left edge and the bottom side         of the tool to the 3-foot transfer mark on the bottom side of         the first object being measured.     -   11. As shown in FIG. 1, check vial G of the tool to determine if         the tool is level; if necessary, adjust the first object being         measured for levelness.     -   12. As shown in FIG. 12, ensure the right edge of the tool is         flush against the left side of the second object being measured         and is touching the intersection of the right edge and the         bottom side of the tool to the 4-foot transfer mark on the left         side of the second object being measured.     -   13. As shown in FIG. 1, check vial E of the tool to determine if         the tool is level; if necessary, adjust the second object being         measured for verticalness.     -   14. As shown in FIG. 4, check vials J and K of the tool to         determine if the tool is level; if necessary, adjust the two         objects being measured for levelness and verticalness.     -   15. The intersection of the two objects being measured for         perpendicularity is now confirmed to be 90 degrees. 

1. The invention comprises a modified spirit level containing 11 vials and resembling an elongated trapezoid.
 2. The invention measures for both levelness and verticalness in various configurations in long objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer, and measures for perpendicularity in various configurations between two equally long objects without the use of lasers or movable parts.
 3. The design of the invention allows one user to employ the 3-4-5 measuring rule (an application of the Pythagorean Theorem, where a²+b²=c²) for determining the perpendicularity of two long, i.e., 5 feet or longer, intersecting objects without the need for additional measuring devices. 